The excitement was palpable as the Chang International Circuit played host to the opening round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, featuring the intense battles of the Supersports 600cc category. Practice sessions saw Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA pushing the limits, setting the stage for a weekend filled with adrenaline-fueled racing.
In Practice 1, Apiwath stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a blistering lap time of 1:38.902s, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. Rheza Danica Ahrens from ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM with his best lap time of 1:39.514s and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 1:39.570s were also impressive with their performances, securing the second and third positions, respectively.
Practice 2 witnessed Apiwath maintaining his momentum, reaffirmed his dominance with another impressive lap time at 1:38.898s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar from IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team showcased his consistency, securing the second spot at 1:39.283s, followed closely by Muhammad Helmi Azman at 1:39.366s.
The intensity reached new heights in Practice 3 as Azroy Hakeem Anuar delivered a stellar performance, clinching the top spot with the fastest lap time at 1:39.419s. Mohammad Adenanta Putra from ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM showcased his skill with the best lap time at 1:39.524s, securing the second position, while Apiwath rounded out the top three at 1:39.555s.
As the combined practice results were unveiled, Apiwath came out fastest for the day with his best lap time at 1:38.898s. Azroy who clocked the best lap time of 1:39.283s in Practice 2 and Muhammad Helmi Azman too recorded 1:39.366s in Practice 2 showcased their consistency, securing the second and third positions, respectively, setting the stage for an electrifying battle in the upcoming races.
Apiwath said “I am happy with the result for today, and I will try more new parts on my bike tomorrow and see how it goes. For sure, it will be better in the race. Besides that, the weather is very hot and the track temperature hit 70 degrees Celsius, but I learned how to keep the tyre at minimal consumption. I am quite confident for this round, Although I must admit that the Honda riders are very fast, but we will figure out a way for a better performance tomorrow.”
Latest news at asiaroadracing.com